Columban missionaries in the United States have sought help from the Obama government for the safe release of kidnapped Irish priest, Fr Michael Sinnott. Fr. Michael Sinnott, 79, was seized by gunmen on Oct. 11 from his home at the Missionary Society of St. Columban compound in Pagadian City, Zamboanga del Sur, GMA News reports.
The US-based Columban missionaries made the request in a letter sent to US Secretary of State Hilary Clinton, saying they fear for Sinnott’s safety.
“We ask that all peaceful measures be taken to locate Fr. Sinnott and negotiate his release … We ask that you respond in all due haste, as Fr Sinnott has a heart condition and is, as far as we know, without his medication,” read the letter to Mrs Clinton.
Excerpts of the letter were posted Saturday on the Catholic Bishops’ Conference of the Philippines news site.
A copy of the letter was also sent to Philippine Ambassador to the US Willy Gaa.
The US-based Columban missionaries said Sinnott had lived for 40 years in the Philippines, and one of his most recent ministries has been in school for children and young adults with special needs in Pagadian City.
Earlier, Armed Forces of the Philippines spokesman Lt. Col. Romeo Brawner Jr. said they already identified the abductors as part of a criminal gang involved in kidnapping in the region.
Meanwhile, Pagadian Bishop Emmanuel T. Cabajar, CSsR said the diocese has started communal and individual prayers to implore God’s help for the immediate release of the priest, CBCP Online says.
Interviewed by CBCPNews, the 67-year old prelate said he issued a circular in Cebuano that was read in all celebrations of the Holy Mass today in Pagadian’s 25 churches, 16 schools and 17 religious communities asking everyone to pray for Fr. Sinnott’s well-being.
“Streamers calling for Fr. Mick’s release have been placed in a number of areas in the city,” the prelate said.
He added prayer vigils will also be held along with the recitation of the Holy Rosary throughout the diocese.
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